Model 36 (no dash)

[KJP]

I have a model 36 in the nickel finish. Excellent condition and would like to find the year it was produced. How do I go about that? and is there a value difference since it is in the nickel?
Thanks guys, I am new to the forum.

KJP

 

[KJP]

Oh and I paid $445 for mine.

 

[dieselpower1973]

The serial number on this new Model 36 starts with 754***. You guys have been helpful determining the production date of a couple of other models I own, can you help dating this gun? I assume it dates somewhere between 1955 and 1967. The stocks are number matched to the gun but they do not have the diamond pattern around the stock screw.

From my limited research, your gun would be 1968 or newer (based on the lack of "diamond" grips). I'm going with '68/69 production.

 

[hotrod150]

As fas as the OP's 754xxx s/n, SCSW says 1962 295000 and 1969 786544.
KJP, post your s/n (x out the last 2 digits for privacy if you want) and someone here can look it up for you. I own one nickel M36 & IMHO they are worth a little more than blue ones just because they're less common.

 

[TEXVET]

The serial number is 7543XX. What concerns me now is what the S&W guy told me when I called to confirm year of production. He told me the serial number I gave him is for a Model 36-1. It seems S&W changed to the J serial number prefix in 1969, the gun does not have the J prefix. I read that the Model 36-1 was a special order police gun with a heavy barrel. My Model 36 does not have a heavy barrel. I assume it was made either in 68 or 69 prior to the serial number change, but with the grip change. I am going to be more than PO'ed if it turns out this gun has had the original barrel replaced.

The LGS where I bought the gun is very honest, so I am 95% sure the gun is original. The S&W guy has me a little concerned though.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I bought flat latch pre Model 36 several years ago in 90% condition for $475 if this is any help.

Is that a Baby Chief? I see it has the early flat latch and hammer.I also noticed the stocks,Are they modified combat stocks? Interesting gun to say the least.

 

[TEXVET]

Wikipedia has a photo that looks just like my Model 36.
Smith & Wesson Model 36 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The blued gun not the nickel finished one.

 

[hotrod150]

I just noticed this myself. People often have different terms, but most of us here use "pre model 36" or "model of 1953 Chief" to identify the 1953-56 Chief Special, same as the 1957-on model 36 except no model number.
Hard to tell from the angle, but this photo looks like an original Chiefs Special, or "baby Chief", with the smaller rounder trigger guard and first style flat latch.

I bought flat latch pre Model 36 several years ago in 90% condition for $475 if this is any help.